Video Series on Simply the Best: Garry Kasparov

Garry Kasparov needs no introduction. The games and career of the former World Champion, who was on top of the chess world for over 20 years, offer a ton of instructional value and they should be studied by every serious chess player.

Shankland covers 9 of the most important games of Kasparov's career, including games from his youth, his world championship matches, and the games he played after winning the title. The series then concludes with Sam showing his own brilliancy that was inspired by the great world champion!

This is a great set of videos for anyone looking to learn about and understand the brilliant dynamic play of Garry Kasparov, who, as Shankland persuades, is simply the best! The entire video series is designed for advanced players (1800-2200). Enjoy!

Part 1 --The first video takes us to a game by a very young Kasparov, playing against the more experienced Alex Yermolinsky, another future GM. Although Kasparov loses this exciting battle, it is very apparent by the fight he puts up that his potential for greatness was unquestionable. (Advanced)

Part 2 --The second videofeatures one of Kasparov's first brilliancies, with an assortment of tactical blows and sacrifices that were just too much for Lputian to handle in Kasparov's favorite opening: The King's Indian. A spectacular game for the 13-year-old phenom! (Advanced)

Part 3 --The third video shows Kasparov struggling against Karpov in the early stages of their long battle for the World Championship. Shankland does an excellent job explaining exactly what "Big K" would need to improve upon if he was going to take down the mighty Karpov. (Advanced)

Part 4 --The fourth video skips to Game 47 of the immense K-K World Championship Match, where Kasparov shows his incredible maturity by winning the game...in Karpov's own style! Don't miss this crucial step in Kasparov's development as the greatest player of all time. (Advanced)

Part 5 --The fifth video has Shankland covering one of the most amazing games you'll ever see. In true Kasparov fashion, Garry takes the term "positional compensation" to a whole new level. After sacrificing a pawn in the opening, Kasparov's pieces take over the entire board and the rest is history. (Advanced)

Part 6 --The sixth video skips to 1998, where Kasparov, after being World Champion for several years decides to take on a new venture--playing a clock simul against the Israeli olympic team! Shankland delves into the complications of a critical game against GM Sutovsky, where Kasparov prominently displays his unbelievable knack for the Najdorf Sicilian. (Advanced)

Part 7 --The seventh videofeatures a game from Kasparov's World Championship match against GM Nigel Short. In another dangerously sharp Najdorf, Garry defends accurately and outplays his opponent to again win in dynamic fashion. (Advanced)

Part 8 --The eigth videojumps ahead to 2000, where Kasparov finally loses the title, to GM Vladimir Kramnik. As Shankland explains, the main reason for Kasparov's fall was his inability to crack the Berlin Defense, and in this video Sam analyzes one of the critical games of the match. (Advanced)

Part 9 --The ninth video covers one of Kasparov's last tournament games, and we're lucky to witness yet another Najdorf masterpiece. Kasparov and GM Michael Adams throw everything they can into the attack, and in the complications Garry of course comes out on top. Once again Shankland provides some excellent commentary, and offers some excellent practical advice for positions with opposite side castling. (Intermediate-Advanced)

Part 10 --The tenth video is a wonderful conclusion to the epic series, where Shankland first discusses some of Kasparov's excellent books, and then shows a game of his own that was very much influenced by Garry's writings. (Advanced)

This listing will be edited when any further modules are added! Also, please leave feedback about the series here, particularly if you have questions, as we do not check the comments sections of old videos very often.